Yearly Reviews

June, as often is the case up this way, proved to be one of the best months of the year, holding a quite productive trip to Speyside and some major local rarities. As there is lots to say about June, apologies in advance about the long post.

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4th: This was the first of three days spent in Speyside. On the way to the area we stopped off via Cragendarroch Hill in Ballater, which held a local gem in the form of an extremely obliging Wood Warbler. As we passed the dramatic route from Deeside to Speyside through the Grampian Hills on the A939 5 miles east of Corgaff, a male Ring Ouzel was heard singing by the road, with a small climb through the heather flushing the bird in question. Next stop was Lochindorb near Grantown on Spey where we caught up with a pair of stunning summer plumaged Black-throated Divers and a singing Redstart. A long drive saw us arrive at Loch Ruthven where I was treated to the special experience of at least 7 Slavonian Grebes, with at least 3 adult summer plumaged birds present; amazing stuff! One particular adult was feeding young right outside the hid. 2 summer plumaged Red-throated Divers and a Cuckoo were here too. The day ended at Tulloch Moor in Abernethy Forest where 2 Woodcocks flew overhead in the sunset.

Wood Warbler, Cragendarroch Hill (4/6/11).

mid-song

Slavonian Grebe, Loch Ruthven (4/6/11). One of at least 7 present.

this young bird was begging for food from its mother

5th: A 6:00am start for Capercallie in the Forest Lodge area of Abernethy Forest proved unsuccessful for this species. However 8 Redstarts, 15 Common Crossbills and a Spotted Flycatcher provided some entertainment. Most of the day was spent climbing up Cairn Gorm from the ski centre. At first we took a wrong path which was unfruitful, providing only a single Red Grouse and an Osprey. Once on the main path and getting towards the top, the calls of Dotterel and Snow Bunting were tantalizing close but none could be located. We were nearing the plateaux with little reward, close to giving up when I suddenly chanced upon a pair of Ptarmigan about 6ft away from my feet. I called Dad over and we proceeded to watch the two of them sitting about 15ft away from us for about half an hour; unbelievable views and making up for all the walking. Pity I didn’t have my camera! After a needed break, a bit of evening birding at Loch Malachie/Garten held a charming pair of Redstart.

6th: The next morning we travelled home via Strathbeg for a drake American Wigeon that had turned up there. The drake American Wigeon was showing very well outside the Visitor Centre and was a satisfying way to conclude an enjoyable trip. It acted quite agressively towards its commoner cousins, flapping angrily at them when they came too close. Also present was a drake Garganey and 7 immature Little Gulls which provided nice back-up entertainment.

American Wigeon, Loch of Strathbeg (6/6/11)

dramatic take off

12th: I was sitting at home having a quiet day, when a text comes through on the local ABZ Rare Birds Text System stating that there was a drake AMERICAN WHITE-WINGED SCOTER (ssp. deglandi) off Murcar with the summering Common and Velvet Scoter flock just a few miles away from home, a first for Britain. Everything was dropped as we hurtled to Murcar, parking at the golf club and striding across the dunes towards where we assumed a mini twitch would be going on. We walked about half a mile before we found a group of local birders staring at the flock, and we were promptly directed to the bird in question. A feeling of elation swept over me as I set eyes on the WHITE-WINGED SCOTER towards the front of the Scoter flock which was only 200ft or so offshore in good light. It was watched for a couple of hours as it swam about at the front of the flock, staying at more or less the same distance and the light staying very good for us. I made the most of this unforgettable and educational experience, savouring this first ever opportunity to view and study what when accepted will become the first bird I’ve seen that’s a first for Britain. Whilst not the most visually appealing of birds, it was certainly fascinating. Of the American subspecies deglandi (rather than the Asian subspecies stejnegeri) this bird was an immature drake and was extremely subtle. However I was able to note the following diagnostic features:

Pale, bill with pink at tip and with ‘two stepped’ profile was noticeably different from Velvet Scoters

Propelled its neck forwards in an ‘urgent’ manner, behaviour unlike any Velvets.

The bird dived quite regularly and often for long periods of time. Despite its subtelty, once seen a number of times you could relocate it without a great degree of difficulty, but this would have been a lot harder in worse light and further distance. At least 3 drake Surf Scoters provided great entertainment alongside the White-winged Scoter; at one point I had 4 species of scoter in scope view which was awesome. We left the bird mid-evening feeling understandably exhilirated; what a top quality and educational bird. On the way back we stopped off at Rigifa Pool, where a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was a pleasant surprise, rounding off a sensational evening. Pictures of the White-winged Scoter can be seen here: http://www.birdguides.com/bne/details.asp?thread=738375 .

19th: A day out in Perth & Kinross + Angus with a birder from the area was pretty quiet. We tried for Pied Flycatcher at Killiecrankie in Perth & Kinross but failed to locate any despite the long drive, a Spotted Flycatcher providing little consolation. We headed back via prime moorland for Short-eared Owl and Merlin but failed to see either species. Glen Prosen back in Angus made the day more worthwhile, with a pair of Stonechat around, Red-legged Partridge,Snipe, Red Grouse with young and best of all a male Black Grouse flushed. The latter flew east at great speed, spreading its lyre tail as it gained height before landing on a moor-side in the distance. A beautiful bird that certainly made up for an otherwise quiet day.

25th: An afternoon at the Ythan Estuary was very enjoyable. Fabulous views were had of the drake King Eider on the bank opposite the old lifeboat station, the third time it was seen that year. The weather was idyllic, allowing for good photo opportunites (results can be seen below). Also around were 3 Little Gulls in the ternery, a few Little Tern and a drake Pintail from The Snub. We popped in at Blackdog on the way home where no-one had had the White-winged Scoter, but an adult drake Surf Scoter was very nice to see.

King Eider, Ythan Estuary (25/6/11)

Arctic Tern, Ythan Estuary (25/6/11)

28th: Unbelievably, an adult drake BLACK SCOTER had been found off Blackdog with the Scoter flock, after the disappearance of the White-winged Scoter. Being yet another mega rarity, I was quick to get there. On arrival we were told the bird was showing but as we were setting up most of the scoter flock took off southwards, including the Black Scoter. Typical! Most birders present headed down to Murcar, but my Dad and I stayed put with two other birders. Luck was on our side as the scoter flock started returning to Blackdog and the BLACK SCOTER was located at 18:50 about 400ft offshore. Initially it was very hard to get decent views of, but eventually it showed very nicely down to 300ft. It was generally quite mobile around the flock and did not dive much, as well as interestingly not bodying itself higher in the water than the Common Scoters as expected of this species. In comparsion with the White-winged Scoter this was a far more impressive bird and less subtle; making it easier to locate. The following features were noted:

‘Swollen’ bulbous yellow bill stood out a mile from Common Scoters and in general flock, allowing it to be picked out easily

Thicker necked appearance than Common Scoters

Shorter, stubbier tail that was cocked upright at points like that of a Ruddy Duck

Accompanying this stunning bird were at least 2 Surf Scoters. We watched the Black Scoter for around an hour, leaving once again absolutely delighted by having seen a brilliant bird. If accepted this will be the 9th for Britain. It had been an unbelievable scoter month, with Murcar/Blackdog holding all 5 species of scoter in the world as it stands, one of which will likely be a first for Britain. It is estimated that 5 drake Surf Scoters were present in the flock during the overall period, although I only ever had a maximum of three at any point it is likely that all birds present were seen over the weeks, including a first-summer drake with very little white on the back of the head. An astonishing achievement that will be hard to repeat in the UK, and one that all Aberdeenshire birders can be rightly proud of. The Black Scoter ended off a similarly sensational month’s birding. Somehow, I managed to find the Black Scoter in an image I took of the scoter flock with Canon 40D that evening; see below.

May saw my Standard Grade (GCSEs) exams at large, so birding was rather limited that month. However the birding was of very good quality, with a nice variety of species seen.

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12th: A rather quiet day at the usual coastal locations. The Ythan produced 7 Little Terns at the ternery, my first of the year, and 3 Whimbrel. Strathbeg produced the highlight of the day, with a delightful total of three drake Garganey on the Low Ground. Otherwise it was quiet here, with 7 Black-tailed Godwits being the best of a minimal amount of passage waders.

14th: One of two of our yearly pilgrimages to Deeside took place on the 14th. Dinnet Oakwoodlands didn’t produce any Wood Warblers – it appears they have recently become no longer reliable at this site. 4 singing male Redstarts made up for this to an extent. but brief views were managed of only one. Also providing entertainment here was a Red Kite east over, 2 flushed Woodcocks, a pair of Common Sandpipers on the River Dee and a Garden Warbler. A stop at the Forest of Birse continued the entertainment, with at least 10 Tree Pipits present – it was great to see them thriving – a Cuckoo, and tons of Willow Warblers (at least 20) . A refreshing and rewarding change from coastal birding.

21st: A brilliant day’s birding on the coast, starting with my second drake King Eider sighting of the year at the Ythan. It was far too distant for photos, but prolonged views were had of this magnificent duck through the scope and unlike previously it showed its full self rather than spending its time roosting. We bombed up to Strathbeg for a couple of Avocets, a regional (and Scottish) scarcity. On arrival the two Avocets were showing very well from the Visitor Centre, a Scottish tick for me and an absolute delight to see; they have a timeless elegance. Also providing entertainment here was a cracking summer plumage Curlew Sandpiper, singles of Marsh Harrier and Osprey, and a brief staying Little Stint I got onto as it flew onto the Low Ground – it stayed for no more than 20 minutes. We ended the day at Rattray Head, with 4 Manx Shearwaters being my first of the year.

Avocets, Loch of Strathbeg (21/5/11)

Marsh Harrier, Loch of Strathbeg (21/5/11)

28th: Local birding was at its best, with both an Avocet and a Pectoral Sandpiper sharing Rigifa Pool just south of Aberdeen. Particularly good views were had of the Pectoral Sandpiper, which showed down to 70ft. Towards the end of our visit, the two birds fed together, which was pretty awesome to say the least (pictured below) ! Just a week earlier I hadn’t seen Avocet in the region before; by 28th three different indivdiuals had been seen which was fantastic. The entertaining birding continued with 2 drake Garganey showing fantastically from the Visitor Centre at Strathbeg, with a nice supporting cast of 4 Little Gulls which included a stonking summer plumaged bird and 2 Ospreys. To finish off a good month’s birding, an Arctic Skua offshore at Rattray Head was new for the year.

April saw the first real wave of quality birding, providing an excellent kick start to what would be a fantastic rest of the year. In fact, it was one of the best months of year. Due to its quality, there is lots to say so apologies for the long post in advance.

April:

2nd:A fantastic start to the month with several birds adding flavour to the spring beginnings. At the Ythan in an unsuccessful look for the recently found King Eider, the first 15 Sandwich Terns were seen of the year. It was quiet until we reached to Strathbeg. Also immediate entertainment were 3 Garganey from the Visitor Centre, a female and two stunning drakes, my first of this species for the year and always a joy to see. Whilst looking in the general area where the Garganey were, a Spoonbill was found by one of the Strathbeg regulars. It showed well throughout the rest of the day, with great views had from Tower Pool Hide. Amongst the two stand out species were my first Black-tailed Godwits and Sand Martins of the year.

Spoonbill, Loch of Strathbeg (2/4/11)

8th: A check of the Ythan Estuary the day before a trip to East Anglia was much better than expected. We tried once more for the King Eider but to no avail, although the first Swallows of the year were nice. Popping over to Sand Loch at the nearby Sands of Forvie saw us connect with a female Scaup (yeartick). We hadn’t watched this for long when we found ourselves zooming back to the Ythan with news of a Bonaparte’s Gull (same bird as seen on one occasion by others in March) from the Snub car park. We soon connected with the first winter Bonaparte’s Gull, and a mini twitch amassed. A total bonus bird that left me feeling absolutely delighted.

9th: A drastic change of scene saw me down in Wivenhoe, Essex, staying with family friends. A walk along the Colne Estuary was productive, with my first Chiffchaff and Common Tern of the year present amongst other species such as many Black-tailed Godwits and Bar-tailed Godwits. The main source of interest was a singing Nightingale. Very frustratingly it wasn’t seen, but I managed to capture footage of it singing. Nightingale is a real rarity up this way so its always exciting to hear or see them when down south. This record concerned one of the first wave of birds arriving in the county and country.

10th:A visit to Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk was as expected of great quality. Easy birds there that are scarce or uncommon up our way that were seen for the first time in the year included Little Egret, Green Woodpecker, and Avocet, and excluding such species my first Marsh Harriers and Wheatear of the year. Brief views of a Cetti’s Warbler was of more interest and one of few that I managed to see throughout the year. The undoubted highlight was staggering views of a Bittern out in the open from Island Mere Hide for some 30 minutes. The idyllic photographic conditions saw me capture the below images. Once we left Minsmere we popped into the nearby Dunwich Heath, where the icing on the cake was a single showy Dartford Warbler, a species that has had much success here and the only one I saw that year. A worthwile visit to Suffolk.

Bittern, Minsmere RSPB (10/4/11)

Dartford Warbler, Dunwich Heath (10/4/11)

11th: I travelled up to Norfolk, where I’d spend the next couple of days. Stops at Kessingland in Suffolk, Horsey Mere (which was closed off) and Waxham, proved largely unsuccessful, although the first Whitethroats and Willow Warblers of the year were seen at the former and Red-legged Partridge at the latter. The best birding was had when we arrived on the North Norfolk Coast, where we stayed at Wells. A check of Holkham Freshmarsh was immensely enjoyable. The highlight were two self-found Spoonbills seen flying east over the Freshmarsh. A fantastic array of back up species were seen including my first White-fronted Goose of the year, a Grasshopper Warbler, a ringtailed Hen Harrier and a Peregrine, the latter which flushed the former! A Little Egret roost involving 17 birds was another highlight; other birds included my first Egyptian Geeseand Sedge Warbler of the year.

12th: A day’s birding with Simeon Grundy on both the coast and the Thetford area. Starting at Titchwell was a good move, with a flavissma Yellow Wagtail, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, and Bearded Tit present around the brackish marsh and a nice array of waders elsewhere on the reserve. An odd sounding Chiffchaff along the Meadow Trail was disregarded as a normal one; just imagine how we felt when an Iberian Chiffchaff was seen there the next day! A Red Kite (yeartick) was seen at Burnham Norton on the way to Stiffkey. Stiffkey itself held my first Green Sandpiper and Little Gull of the year and another Little Ringed Plover. Cley was quiet so we headed down to the Thetford area. Checking an undisclosed site saw me finally catch up with my first Goshawks (bogey), with 2 Goshawks seen as well as another Red Kite and 3 Bramblings (my first of the year). Lynford Arboretum did not provide any of the specialities, but did hold my first Marsh Tits and Nuthatch of the year. Undoubted highlight was a Barn Owl hunting at close quarters. A brilliantly varied day.

13th: A check of an undisclosed site in Thetford Forest was successful in providing me with a target species, 2 Woodlarks. The pair displayed and sang their hearts out, which was unforgettable (see pics and video footage). 7 Bramblings were present and a Treecreeper amongst others were also here. Finally, a check of Weeting Heath saw me connect with the famed Stone Curlews, with 3 present.

17th: Back in Aberdeenshire, I finally caught up with the drake King Eider at the mouth of the Ythan Estuary, the 4th King Eider I had seen in the UK and an absolute stunner. There were plenty of good back up species including a Little Gull and Osprey at Meikle Loch, and a Little Egret feeding from the Snub car park, a bit of scarcity up here.

King Eider, Ythan Estuary (17/4/11)

23rd: A check of the usual sites started off well with 32 Long-tailed Ducks at Girdle Ness. Strathbeg was productive, holding a self-found exceptionally early 2 Wood Sandpipers, as well as a smart sumplum Spotted Redshank amongst numerous Greenshank and Ruff. A check from Waulkmill Hide at the Ythan resulted in fantastic views of the long-staying Bonaparte’s Gull down to 30ft at its closest, although it unfortunately started raining. This was the second time I had seen it and was even more delightful than the first time, below are pics.

Bonaparte's Gull, Ythan Estuary (23/4/11)

29th/30th: After 5 White-billed Divers being seen earlier that week off Portsoy, north Aberdeenshire, I was up there for the Royal Wedding. I managed one absolutely stunning summer plumageWhite-billed Diver (!) here, although only seen once for no more than a minute; still a belter of a bird and a dream to have seen. To round it off here, a 1st winter Iceland Gull was an enjoyable self-find heading eastwards overhead. Strathbeg was quiet but did hold a few commoner passage waders including a Whimbrel. A Corn Bunting at the north end of the reserve was also unbelievably confiding. On 30th it got better, starting with a successful twitch of 11 Dotterels at Collieston crossroads near the Ythan, scuttling around in a field by the road. As if this wasn’t good enough, we stopped off at Blackdog where we were treated to views of a previously reported drake Surf Scoter down to 50ft in idyllic weather. A truly fantastic last two days to end the month.

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Welcome to the Blog

I'm Joseph Nichols, an avid 19 year old Scottish birder and patcher that formerly lived in Aberdeen but now has bases in Edinburgh and Glasgow. I also bird in Norfolk as I have family stationed down there, where my local patch is Costessey House Private Estate. This is an area of private land around the cottage I stay in between Costessey and Drayton on the outskirts of Norwich.

I enjoy creative writing and thus many of my blog posts are lengthy. This more extensive medium is uncommon in the birding blog sphere, so I write in such a way with the hope that it will paint a vivid sense of my natural experiences as a whole, rather than just of the birds I have seen.